Gatwick Airport – asset evaluation and resilience study

Business need

Gatwick was in the process of changing their Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP) and identified a need for an Air Traffic Control (ATC) Asset Evaluation and Resilience Study including a life extension review of the airports current voice systems. The requirement demanded a detailed evaluation of Air Traffic Management equipment installed at Gatwick Airport as well as a detailed understanding of Air Traffic Services and the requirements placed on the airport by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Our role

Sagentia Aviation, formerly Osprey, conducted Communication, Navigation & Surveillance System Requirement Analysis, System of Systems assessment, capability modelling and assessment, Regulatory Assurance status audit, Infrastructure Surveys and Cost Benefit Analysis and Forecasting in support of investment / acquisition decisions. We also conducted Resilience Analysis on a number of key ATC Tower Systems. Due to the challenging timescales, we mobilised rapidly (we were on the ground within 48 hours of receiving the requirement) and were able to deliver to the client’s satisfaction within the agreed timescales.

The outcome

Following our evaluation study, a decision was made to progress with Transition to the new ANSP using legacy systems, but to prepare for the procurement a new ATC Voice Communication System (VCS) to replace the current equipment. Sagentia Aviation were subsequently commissioned to support Gatwick’s engineering and commercial teams in the procurement of a new VCS. The successful introduction of the new VCS will be a key enabler in Gatwick’s growth plans while ensuring continued safe and expeditious operations. Sagentia Aviation was also commissioned to conduct a highly innovative, capability led, Operations Centric Resilience study on the total ATC Tower infrastructure.